davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1887-01-20
A Gales Life. History.

A scientific account of the great gallo
which swept over the British Isles in
October last has been submitted to the
Royal Meteorological Society by Mr. c,
Harding. The storm appears to have
formed about $50 miles southeast Of New
foundland on the 18th. 1t reached Ire.
land early on tho 10th, turned to the
southeast, remaining central over the
British Isles about thirty four hours,
then crossed to France, and subsequently,
again took northeast course, finally
breaking up over Holland. The depres-
sion of the barometer continued for an
extraordinary length of time, the reading
being below twenty-nino inches for fifty
hours at Geldeston. The highest record
ed weight of the wind was seventy
eight miles an hour at Scilly where the
velocity remained above sixty miles for
nineteen hour', and above thirty miles
for sixty-one hours. Thc rain fall in
Ireland, Wales aud southwestern Eng
land was exceptionally heavy, and ter
rife sea lashcd the western coast.-
ArkansGD Traveller.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1887-01-20
About the Crescent.

Moth ng positive can be traced as to
when the crescent became the Turkish
symbol, but there arc several legends
which give the reason for its adoption.
One of these says that Philip, the father
of Alexander, meeting with great diff
culties in the seige of Byzantium, set the
workmen to undermine the walls, but q
crescent moon discovered the design,
which miscarried; consequently the By
zantines erected statue to Diana, and
the crescent moon became the symbol Of
the State. Another legend is that 9th
man, the Sultan, saw in a vision crescent
moon, which kept increasing till its horns
extended from East to West, and he
adopted the crescent OF his dream for his
standard
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1887-01-20
A Corporation in a Fix.

At the time of the revival of capital
punishment in Switzerland law was
passed to the effect that each canton
was to appoint its own executioner, who
was to receive so francs every time his
services were called into requisition.
Not long afterwards the common council
of the town of Basic were placed in an
awkward dilemma, for sentence of
death had been pronounced which had
to be carried into effect within twenty
four hours, while as yet no one had
been appointed TO the office of execu-
toner. They were unable to procure
one from neighboring canton, as they
were prohibited from SO doing under the
provisions Of tn, recent law, and to
appeal to foreign government was re-
pugnant to the Swiss national pride.
After the council had racked their
brains to no purpose one of the city
fathers at length rose and said: 'Pll
tell you what we had better do; let us
give the scoundrel the so francs and tell
him to go and get his head cut off where
he likes m'-ShdlE Kalender.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1887-01-20
FARM AND HOUSEHOLD.
How to Judge Sheep.

Purity of blood is invaluable, espec-
Tally in the male sheep, as he is chiefly
to be relied on when crossing or improv-
ing the breed is desired, The English
downs are considered tho best for pro-
ducing first-class mutton, while the me-
rinos are remembered for producing the
finest wool. The principal points sought
for in sheep are those that give evidence
of their fattcning properties, straight
back, broad loins, roundness of body
are valuable points. A good formed
animal is one with plenty of flesh, evenly
put on, and as little bone as possible,
The following gives requirements for
mutton sheep: Head moderately fine;
nostrils wide; eyes prominent; ears
broad, moderately long, thin and GOV
cred with short hair; collar full from
breast and shoulders, tapering gradually
all the way to where the neck and head
join; neck short, thick and strong and
free from coarse and loose skin; Shout
dcrs broad and full, and at the same time
Joined so gradually to the collar forward
and the chine backward as not to leave
the least hollow in either place; fore legs,
the mutton on the arm or fore, thigh
should come quite to the knee; leg with
heavy bone and upright, clear from SUI
perhuous skin, should stand square and
we'll apart; breast, broad and we'll for
ward, keeping the legs wide apart; girth
or chest, full and deep fore flank quite
full, not showing hollow behind shoul.
der; back and loin, broad, fat and
straight, from which the ribs must spring
with fine circular arch. Belly, straioh hit
on under line; quarters, long and full,
with mutton quite down to the hook
hook should stand neither in nor out,
but straight; twist or junction inside the
thighs, deep, wide and full, with broad
breast, will keep the legs open and up
right; the whole body should be covered
with wool, of close texture, OF good
length and fine quality. --Practicdl
Farmer.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1887-01-20
An Imperial Tricycle.

The Emperor of Morocco is said to
havo taken a great fancy to TT cycle
riding. He has lately hal a mlchinc
constructed on now plan--a sort Of
double bicycle of gigantic proportions
fitted with coach, with a couple Of
wheels in front, each propelled by a
black slave. Reclining at full length
under scarlet canopy adorned with
gold tassels, his Imperial Majesty take
daily Exercise" in the grounds adjoin-
ing the palace. Beside him on a bracket
stands sort of pedometcr in the shape
of small timepiece, at which the En-
peror glances from time to time in order
to ascertain the rate of speed attained
by the machine. lie Voltalre.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1887-01-20
"Good Morning." and "Gcod Might.

The New York Journal Of Commerce.,
replying 20 a correspondent WHO asks for
information as to the origin of good
morning" and goodnight" says:
Webster defines themeaning of good"
in such phrases as "goodday, good
night etc., as wishing WE'LL" This
was undoubtedly the origin of the ex-
pressions: "May this be good chat
is well, happy, prosperous day to
you" Or, 81 wish you well this night.
May it be peaceful, restful,
a secure season to you" The use
of such greetings, which were prayers
or bendictions, is very ancient,
running far into past centuries.
Some have tried to derive tile adjective
from the name of the deity. 1t may be
true that God and good have common
origin, but there is TO evidence what,
ever that the latter came in use in pla
of the former in these salutations. 1t is
common to describe ''goodby e" as q
corruption or abbreviation of "God be
with you :" but this is only a conjecture,
as the abbreviated form is in the earliest
greetings of this character, and there is
no proof that Good be with you" was in
common use before "good bye" We
presume it had the same origin as good
day." "good morrow aid the like 1t
meant "fare thee well, " good stand by
thee" that is, "abidc with thee" Per.
haps our correspondent will thank us for
recalling the use of the words he quotes.
by Anna Letitia Barbauld:
Life! We've been long t, gether,
Through pleasant aud through cloudy
weather;
It's hard TO part when friends are dear;
Perhaps twill cost sigh. a tear;
Then steal away, give little warning,
Choose thine own time;
Say not Goodnight, but in some brighter
cline
Bid me GOOD morning
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1887-01-20
Household Hints.

Iron Rust and Ink Stains: Rub lemon
juice on the stain, then cover it with
salt, and lay the articles in the sun. If
necessary repeat the process two or three
times. Spots from most kinds of ink
are similarly taken out Vinegar will
sometimes do it.
To Get Rid of Moths: Sprinkle fur
niture and cushions thoroughly with
benzine. 1t will not spot nor injure the
most delicate fabric, but is sure death to
moths. The work must be done in a
place where there is neither fire nor a
lighted lamp, for the benzine is very ex-
plosive.
To Clean Marble: Take two parts of
common soda, one part OF pumice stone,
and Que part of finely powdered chalk;
sift i. through fine sieve, and mix it
with water; then rub it well all over the
marble, and the stains will be removed :;
wash with salt and water
Setting Colors: To set the color in
blue lawn, dissolve three cents worth of
saltpetre in pailful of water, and dip
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1887-01-20
Tho Force oTHnbit,

There was once horse that used to
pull around a sweep which lifted dirt
from the depths of the earth, lie was
kept at the business for nearly 90 years,
until he became old, blind, and too stiff
in the joints to be of further use. So he
was turned into pasture, or left to crop
the grass without any one to disturb or
bother him. But the funny thing about
the old horse was, that every morning,
after grazing awhile, he would start on q
tramp, going round and round in a cir
Gle, just as he had been accustomed to
do for so many years. lie would keep
it up for hours, and people often stopped
to look and wonder what had got into
the head OF the venerable animal to
make him walk around in such solemn
way when there was no earthly need of
it. But it was the force of habit And
children who form bad or good habits in
their youth will be led by them when
they become old, and will be miserable
or happy accordingly.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1887-01-20
First Sea Einht Of the volu'lon.

Some years ago, in the course of Official
duty, Twas obliged to visit Salem, Mass,
and during my stay in tkat quaint old
town I was fortunate enough 20 make
the acquaintance OF an Cd gentleman
whose ancestors had all been connected
more orless actively with the Continental
army or navy,
We were sitting one evening unde,
the porch surrounding tho front of his
modest abode, when he suddenly ad-
dressed me with
"Lieutenant, you are something OF a
student in naval history, and should be
able to answer my question. Can you
tell me anything about the first engage
ment-naval, mean-that occurred in
the Revolutionary war;"
pondered, thought of the "Gaspa'
affair, discarded it from my brain and
finally acknowledged that he had the
hest of me. Thereupon lie said "Thc
Massachusetts State cruiser Tyrannicide
was the first vessel built for the Amcri-
can public service, and her commission
was signed by John Hancock. She was
full rugged brig, good sailor, mount
ing fourteen guns-carronades | believe,
and manned by seventyfve men. S c
was commanded by Captain John Fiske,
who afterward rose to the rank Of
Major General in Massachusetts,, and
earned for himself an eminent name for
his brave and patriotic services. Captain
Fiske commanded the brig for three
cruises and participated in the taking Of
eight prizes, the first of which was the
Kings armed schooner Dispatch, be'ong
ing TO Lord Howc's feet, then on their
passage from Halifax to New York, it
being July 10. During the engagement
the Tyraunicide lost one man killed,
three wounded, and one man died from
his wounds. The Dispatch was COM
manded by John Goodrich, Second
Lieutenant of the Renown, fifty gun
ship, then in the fleet. The action lasted
seven glasses, and her commander aud
several men were killed. Mr.. More,
sailing master, was wounded and his limb
amputated. Mr.. Colingain, midship-
man, died from his wounds. The Dis
patch was terribly cut up, both in hull
and spars, and the Continental brig had
take her in tow, and they brought her
into Salem, after being out seventeen
days The Dispatch had eight carriage
guns, twelve swivcls and q complement
Of forty-fvo picked men, trained sea-
men. selected from different vessels
composing the feet. This, Lieutenant
was the first sea-fght o! the Revolution,
and it occurred here in Boston Bay. 1t
may not be 80 recorded in the naval his
tories OF the day, for, Ike a great many
! historical facts and incidents, they be-
come indistinct, obscure, and finally for
gotten altogether with the lapse Of
| time. - Detroit Free Pres.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1887-01-20
EishhnxYlSS IN CnnncI.

A party of summer visitors at Elberon,
N. j., were one day very much sur
prised at the sagacity ef q flock of fish
hawks. One of these birds being mis-
taken for barnyard robber was shot at,
while perching on the top branch of a
tree. The ball struck the bird on his
wing, and he dropped, futtering and
screeching from bough to Dough, until
he contrived to clutch at strong forEed
branch and rested there All dag long
he sat, uttering piercing screams, and
the next morning was found to have
gathered round him large circle OF
hawks, probably his friends and rela-
tives, who seemed to be holding coun-
Gil. Each in turn chartered busily, as
if giving advice or proposed plans of re-
lief, while their wounded brother
seemed to listen eagerly, and now and
then put in word. The approach of a
human being produced great constcrna-
ton among the birds, but they did not
fly away and desert the disabled one.
The sportsman came again into the
orchard with the intention of putting an
end to the poor creatures misery with
another ball but he was easily persuaded
to wait and see what the birds would
do. An immediate result Of the meet
ing was the feeding of the prisoner sew
cral members of the rescuing party flying
to the ocean and returning with fish in
their claws. 1t was easily seen however,
that the nearness of the tree to the
house, and the lowness of the branch on
which the wounded bird crouched,
caused the greatest anxiety, and even
after the invalid's hunger was satisfied
the other birds kept flying away in par
ties, while others still perched on the
trees and seemed to be awaiting the
messengers return. 1t was so evident
that some plan had been made that a
number of ladies brought their needle
work out into the orchard, and staid
waiting to see what was going to be
done. The hawks were very quiet
all day, except that the sufferer uttered
an occasional sound, as it moved I'M
easily in its leafy bed, while the watch
ers replied in low, soothing tones, as if
with words of pity or encouragement.
Towards sunset single hawk appeared
on the scene, then another and another;
chattering began and the excitement
increased as the messengers kept return
ing in twos and threes. The wounded
bird raised itself as much as possible
from the branch and seemed joyfully cx-
pectant, while the Others few round it
gaily. Soon loud tapping overhead
was heard, flock of hawks appeared,
and in their midst giant hawk-a bird
much larger and stronger than any Of
the rest. For few moments it perched
upon the topmost branch Of the tree
then started up and began circling about
coming lower, nearer to its wounded
brother, until suddenly swooping, it
grasped the latter in its claws, and
raising him gently from the bough,
scared away with him triumphantly.
The other hawks followed, leaving the
spectators overwhelmed with astonish-
:neat. They did not doubt that the
hawk was being carried to some safe,
retired spot where he could be fed and
waited upon until his wound healed -
| Our AnimdFs Friends.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1887-01-20

Resolution is the mother of security. A
good resolution will make any port Let
not the sword of resolution e blunted.
When a resolution is onCe formed half
the difficulty is over. A heroic resolu-
ton never permits life to pass away in
tribes A statue stands firm on its base:
a virtuous man on firm resolutions For
tune, though n fTowning fortress, smiles
at those whose resolution forces open
her gates. Resolutions taken without
thought bring disaster without remedy.
A good resolution is the most fcrtify-
ing armor q good man eau wear Res
olution is necessary to guard US
against detection. A quick,
courageous resolution Is
better than a gradual
del b GRAFTON.
Sudden res
olutiohs
ike the
sud den
rise of tho
merCG-
ry in the
barome-
ter, indicate
little else than
the ckangeableness
Of the weather
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1887-01-20
Preservation Of the Dead,

IN speaking of the preservation of dead
bodies, GaHards MedictJ Monthly Gays
that Edward l., who died in 1907, was
found not decayed 463 years subsequent
ly. TIE flesh on the face was a. little
wasted, but not putrid. The body OF
Canute, who died in i0l;. was found
fresh in 1863. Thos2 at William the
ConQueror and his VIE wire perfect in
1922. In 1869 three Roman soldiers, in
the dress of their country, fully equipped
with arms, were dug out Of peat mass
near Aberdeen. They were quite fresh
and plump after lapse of about 1 500
years. In III the bodies of Lady Kill
syth and her infant were embalmcd. In
1896 they were found as perfect as in the
hour they were embalmed. Every feature
and limb was full. The infants feature.
were as composed as if he had only been
asleep for eighty years. His color was
as fresh and his flesh as plump and full
as in the perfect glow of health. The
smile of infancy and innocency was on
his lips At little distance it was diff
cult to distinguish whether Lady Kill,
syth was alive or dead. The question
is, What preservatlve was used, and how
applied2
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1887-01-20
Quaker Testimony.

Mrs, A, NJ, Dauphin, Of Philadelphia, has
done great deal to make known TO ladies
there the great value of Mrs. Pinkham's Veg.
otable Compound, as a cure for their troubles
and diseases, sho writes as follows; "A
young lady of this city while bathing some
years ago was thrown violently against the
life line and the injuries received resulted In
an ovarian tumor which grew and enlarged
until death seemed certain. Her physician
finally advised her to try Mrs Pinkhams
Compound. She did so and in a short time
the tumor was dissolved and she is moo in
perfect health. also know Of many cases
where the medicine has been Of great value
In preventing miscarriage and alternating
the pains and dangers of childbirth. Phila
dclphia ladies appreciate the worth of this
medicine and its great value"
Sent by mail in Pill and Lozenye form on
receipt Of price, ST. Mrs Pinkham, Lynn,
Mass Alsoin liquid form, all at Druggists.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1887-01-20
a Chance for Health

Is afforded those fast sinking into condition
of hopeless debility. The means are at hand.
In the fora of genial medicinal cordial, Hos
letters Stomach Bitters embodies the COM
bined qualities of blood fertilizer and de-
puront, q tonic and an Alternative. While it
promotes digestion and assimilation, and
stimulates appetite, has the further effect of
purifying the life current and strengthening
the nervous system, As the blood grows richer
and purer by its use, they who resort to this
sterling medicinal agent, acquire not only
vigor, but bodily substance. hcaithful
change in the secretions is effected by il, and
that sure and rapid physical decay, which a
chronic obstruction of the functions of the
system produces, is arrested. The prime causes
of seise be ng removed health is speedily
renovated and vigor restored.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1887-01-20
tho lawn in 1t several times before wash.

tho lawn in 1t several times before wash.
ing.
To Drive Away Ants A little quick.
lime placed in the infested places will
drive away any kind Of ants. Insect
powder, which can be bought at any
drug store, sprnklcd around the in,
Tested place, will keep away all kinds Of
insects
To Keep Dolls from Breaking; 1t has
been proved by experience with several
dolls that filling the entire head with
wet plaster of Paris, and allowing it to
set firmly viii render the head almost
indsstructible.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1887-01-20
Farm and Garden Notes.

For'cows, one of the best supplement-
airy feeds with corn fodder, is wheat
bran.
1t takes six cords of hard maple wood
to produce the same amount of heat that
four cords of hickory will.
A contemporary suggest, that cow
can be easily led by halter that com
mands her nose, but with difficulty by
rope around her horns.
Mr.. F. H. Israel says the last colony
of bees should have at least thirty pounds
of sealed honey to start in with, the
packs in double walled chaff hives.
Coal ashes are of no value as manure.
On very heavy soil, however, they are
valuable as q divider of the clods, act
ing in the same manner as sharp sand.
1t is useless to hope to destroy the
acidity of certain soils by the applica-
ton of lime and other supposed correc-
tives; only drainage will accomplish it.
When fruit trees are sprayed with ar
senical solutions, to operate against the
coddling moth, curculio, etc., do it early
enough in the season to avoid poisoning
the fruit.
Green food, well-seasoned meat,
plenty of water, dry dust, broken bones,
gravel and egg shells, crushed up fine,
meal wet with warm dish water in tho
morning, sour milk, etc arc good for
causing hens to lay in winter time.
No kind of farm stock cost so little or
pays so large proportionatc profit as sow
pigs kept until they have their first litter
of pigs. A SOW due to farrow in March
or April is always salable at a handsome
advance on her value for making pork.
Guernsey grades are yearly growing
more popular among dairymen and farm
ers, and their merits make them worthy
of attention. There are but few essen
tial differences among the Gueraseys,
Jerseys and Alderneys-they all come
from the same group of islands.
By blowing under a crop when it is
full of sap and water it very rapidly de-
Gays and enriches the soil, while if it is
not plowcd until the plant has become
matured it will have tendency to cure
and turn into straw, and it will conse-
guently take it a long while to sufficiently
decay to become q fertilizer and be in a
condition to be taken up by the soil.
Old turkeys and old geese are deemed
worth much moro as breeders on the
farm than young ones. We once saw a
goose which had successfully led forth a
large Matching of young from the same
hollow sycamore for over thirty years.
She had 'the hang of the barn." Ducks
are good till three years old; turkey
is in her prime at five, and goose at
twenty.
A window box can be filled with
plants that will thrive without sunshine,
and afford vast amount of pleasure.
If palms cannot be employed, small ev'
ergreens, such as dwarf arbor vitr, can
be employed to good advantage. Ferns
can be used with these, and form a
beautiful combination. If climber is
desirable, the English ivy will fill the
place. For the sunny window there arc
many other plants than those we have
mentioned, which can be used to good
advantage. Let the box be filed witt
Tom Thumb nasturtiums, with tai
growth at each end to run up the win,
dow cases, and beautiful effect will be
produced.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1887-01-20

in this imperial pasture. The official
authority already quoted puts this mum
Der at more than one hundred thousand,
The laborers used in the construction OF
the embankments settled permanently
on the lands that were excluded from
the Enclosure, and the villages founded
by them are still there. BY these means
the rulers not only had thoroughly
fortified pasture, but they occupied, set
tied and developed the country con
qucred from the enemy,-San Francisco
Chronicle